Ovechkin and Laich Reach 500 NHL Games

Brooks Laich and Alex Ovechkin hit the 500 NHL game mark on Saturday against Ottawa (Photos by Alena Schwarz)

Congratulations to Alex Ovechkin and Brooks Laich, who both reached the important milestone of 500 career games with tonight’s 3-2 overtime win against the Ottawa Senators.

The Caps digital media team and the fans at Verizon Center recognized the pair for their accomplishment with loud applause following a congratulatory video in the first period. In between periods Al Koken congratulated Laich on his 500th game and asked who would score next. Laich said “Hopefully me,” and added that in all likelihood the next goal would be the game winner. It took a couple more goals to get there, but Laich did eventually score the sudden death OT game winner, hopefully making this milestone a night to remember.

I can’t imagine two more different players – both playing to prove they’re worth their long-term contracts here in D.C., but one facing the biggest uphill battle of his career, and the other considered a poster child for consistency. One flashy, the other understated.

Having this kind of variety is what makes the Caps interesting to watch, root for and write about. Ovechkin is under contract for almost 800 more games, and Laich for 467, so hopefully we can look forward to many more milestones with both of these guys.